Change to Council Tax Charge for Second Homeowners from 1st April 2025

Second homeowners in the Torridge district will soon receive letters notifying them of changes to Council Tax charges for their properties. Starting on the 1^st of April this year, a 100% premium will be applied to properties classified as second homes, where previously no premium was charged.

During the Full Council meeting on 5^th September 2022, Councillors agreed in principle to adopt the 100% premium charge for second homes, pending the passage of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill through Parliament. The Bill received Royal Assent on 26^th October 2023 allowing local authorities to impose a 100% Council Tax premium on second homes.

At the Full Council meeting on the 22^{nd of} January 2024, Councillors were informed of the Bill's passage through Parliament and voted to implement this change, the Council has amended its policy regarding second homes accordingly.

In November 2024, the Government published regulations regarding exceptions to the premium. Torridge District Council has updated its Empty Homes and Second Home Premium Policy to align with this guidance. For more information on charges for unoccupied and unfurnished properties, second homes and exceptions to the premium, please visit: www.torridge.gov.uk/emptyproperties-premiums.

Please note that if the use of the property changes, owners will need to provide evidence of this change to verify the correct Council Tax charge. It is important to supply accurate information along with relevant evidence to avoid further enquiries from the Council.